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Asia, Travel
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April 7, 2015

Visiting Thailand and Cruising the Mekong River

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It’s been two weeks since I returned from my trip to Thailand.

I was ready for a very many things, except for the long flight – I definitely should have prepared better for that (sleeping meds, more getting up and stretching, and more comfortable clothes, for starters).

I knew that whatever happened didn’t matter, because it was all new to me anyway. I think this is still the most excited thing about travel for me; the unexpected, the unknown, the new. It mattered little how much Anthony Bourdain has featured the country in his series, or how many travel bloggers often write about the country – for me it was all new.

Everyone suggested I visit Chiang Mai (everybody loves Chiang Mai, especially its vibrant expat community and beauty) – I didn’t. I was told to visit the elephant sanctuary for rescued and retired elephants – but I didn’t (I do hope to visit with my children one day). I was even told to eat pad Thai and all kinds of street food. I sort of did, but not pad Thai, as every time I came across a street vendor making it, I wasn’t hungry enough to want any. And I didn’t eat any bugs though I was happy to film other people doing it. Honestly, as adventurous as I can be, biting into a silk worm was just not going to happen.

ChiangKhan_girlgonetravel_allrightsreservedBy the time I found the pad Thai, I wasn’t hungry. It was a bit harder to find than I expected!

Some would roll their eyes at the lack of what so many know to be the typical Thai experiences most people have when they visit, but I would argue that my experiences in Thailand were anything but lacking. One short visit felt more like a tasting of something so much bigger making it impossible to share in one single post.

So, instead, I decided to share my #DiscoverThainess experience in the little pieces that meant so much to me, with the first one being the afternoon our group took a boat ride down the Mekong River while visiting the small village of Chiang Khan in Loei, Thailand.

ChiangKhan_girlgonetravel_allrightsreserved ChiangKhan_girlgonetravel_allrightsreservedThe people here were some of the friendliest I have ever met anywhere.

Located in the North-Eastern part of Thailand and thus one of the coolest areas of the country, I was spared the intensity of the heat I briefly experienced while in Bangkok. Not many international tourists visit here, but national visitors flock the area annually to escape the summer heat.

ChiangKhan_girlgonetravel_allrightsreserved

Sailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetr
I love everything about this area, but taking in the sunset and local views of farmers and fishermen at work while on the Mekong is one of those travel-dreams-come-true that I still can’t put into words. So, I thought it best to share it all through photography in the hopes that you will understand just how special it was.

Sailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetravelSailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetr Sailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetrView of Laos

Sailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetrSailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetr Sailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetr Sailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetr
Sailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetr Sailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetr

Sailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetrSailing the Mekong River_All rights reserved_girlgonetrSunset over Mekong

I just found out that Uniworld luxury river cruises offers Mekong River cruises as well! Check them out! (And read about my cruise experience with them through the Aquitaine!)

Don’t miss: Images of Chiang Khan.

Photography is property of the publisher and may not be used without consent of GirlGoneTravel.com

Disclosure: My first trip to Asia was sponsored by Thailand Tourism and their partners, and I was invited to experience what they have in store for those planning to attend this year’s TBEX Asia conference in October of 2015. All opinions are my own.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, close to home or farther away. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and CEO of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications management, and brand development agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She splits her time between her homes in New Jersey and Finger Lakes.

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4 Comments
  • zipporahs
    April 14, 2015

    I was in Thailand with you (sort of) and this made me want to go. ROFL

    Reply
    • caincarol
      zipporahs
      April 15, 2015

      Hahaha! I want to go too…oh wait. LOL!

      Reply
  • thebritishberliner
    April 25, 2015

    These photos are beautiful Carol. I’m so glad that you finally got to go to Asia. And choosing Thailand as the very first destination is great as it smoothes and opens the way to other Asia countries in the future! I love Asia as apart from Europe of course, it’s my favourite continent and I have been to many countries there. I’ve been to Thailand 3 times and was in Thailand, Indonesia, Korea and Qatar just last summer!
    Welcome to the club LOL!

    Reply
  • caincarol
    April 27, 2015

    Woooo! I\’m just getting started : )) Thanks!

    Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am a communications professional, an award-winning travel blogger, a public speaker, CEO of a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency, a wife, and a mom of 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading!

Carol Cain

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I swam along side him. Never leaving his side. The warmth of my tears fogging my goggles as I realized that it was me who needed his hand holding far more than he did, and bursting with pride at the newfound courage in him, at the beauty of watching my son grow up before my eyes.
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